Sheriff Warns of “One Ring” Scam

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office is warning cell phone users about the ”One Ring” scam that is occurring locally and around the state of Florida. It’s called the “One Ring” scam, because the scammer’s program computers to send thousands of calls to random cell phone numbers, ring once, and then disconnect. The scammers then hope you are curious enough about the call that you return the call right away.

When the cell phone owner returns the call they are charged $19.95 for the international call fee. After that there is a $9.00 per minute charge. “Often they will first hear music, then maybe advertising but it’s easy to see how quickly these charges can add up,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said.

Consumers who have been duped by these calls report that they are coming from the Caribbean Islands, including Grenada, Antigua, Jamaica, and the British Virgin Islands. If a person thinks they may have fallen for this scam, they should immediately alert their cell phone carrier and keep an eye on their cell phone bill. The earlier they document the fraud the better their chances of having some or all of the charges removed.

“To be as safe as possible the best things to do if you’re phone rings and it’s an international number you don’t recognize don’t answer and don’t call back. Consumers who have fallen for the scam should immediately contact their cell phone service provider and monitor their phone bills” Leeper added.

Filed under: General by Nassau County Sheriff's Office Monday, February 10th, 2014